Dominican Republic

[Horny Male]

First time user here. Just wanted to ask if anyone here has holidayed in the Dominican Repuplic? We're going there in March. Any does & don't ? Are there any clothing optional beaches to be recommended? Any comments will be appreciated. Thank you.

[12voltman59]

I hate to rain on your parade, but I have heard some thiings not so good about the DR----

They have had some civil unrest with anti-government groups engaging in "insurgencies" and such.

I would check the US State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the DR.

I hope that you have a good safe trip there-----the weather is nice but the DR is not a place from my understanding that you want to go out and explore much unless you are someone like Anthony Bourdain or Robert Jones Felton who likes to live dangerously!!!!!!.

[LoveLion]

Been to Cuba and it was great. My family is heading down to the DR same time as you. They would have gone to cuba again but the whole castro thing is sketchy right now. I would be going with them, but I am going to Scottland to visit my sister that week. Anyway, didnt really anwser your question, but have fun!

[12voltman59]

Hosed up the name of the last person--Robert Young Pelton.

http://comebackalive.com/site3.php

The reason I say it may not be safe in DR---my parents have some friends who did have a very expensive house they had bought in an exclusive resort in DR--before a hurricane destroyed it.

One day about seven or eight years ago while out on the resort's golf course---the people were out playing golf when they came under automatic weapons fire--they did not get hit luckily--but after that--the resort outfitted their security forces with M-16s that patrolled the boundaries of the golf course in jeeps set up with M-60s to protect golfers from further attacks of that sort.

I know that there has been some "political instability" in the DR on and off for a number of years now--and I can tell you from personal experience---don't cross over to Haiti (the other country that shares the island of Hispanola with the DR)---that place is one major mess.


P.S.
After posting thr stuff above--I did go to the US State Department page regarding travel advisories--http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
they did not have anything necessarily negative regarding travel to the DR other than just the average common sense type stuff on being safe---so I guess it is as good as anyplace else to go but I think for my money---I'd rather go somewhere else in the Caribbean like Grand Cayman or the ABC islands.

Have a good, safe trip there.

[bicur14]

Well to be honest , you will always hear the bad side of a place highlighted by the Media , I visit DR as aoften as I can, people are friendly and welcoming ,
Of course as a precaution dont walk alone late at night or a deserted road, which you probably wouldnt do here .
Back to the suggestions , wher in DR areu going ? just to let u know some suggestions ....... Have fun ,

[wanderingrichard]

First time user here. Just wanted to ask if anyone here has holidayed in the Dominican Repuplic? We're going there in March. Any does & don't ? Are there any clothing optional beaches to be recommended? Any comments will be appreciated. Thank you.

try; www.escapeartist.com there should be plenty of information there for you, including links to tour guides and advice on hotels etc. also, be aware that you should stock up on the anti malarials.. the place is noted for it. and like 12volt says, do not go over into haiti.. helped with the relief effort there and trust me, it is really a nest of vipers, almost as bad if not worse than liberia or moghadishu were/are.
:2cents:

[adryglips]

ok so i am actually from the island of hispanola...the DR
and all i have to tell you is to be careful with who knows where you are staying and such....dont wear too much jewlwry, and maintain some form of money hidden from your pockets....also dont carry too much money with you...but if you will be staying in a resort there are not too many negative things i can say....while being outside of the hotel then you have to follow some rules...ohh and important also if you get into trouble with the law somehow you can always buy your way out...have fun and enjoy i am very sure you will enjoy yourself...it is very beautiful and the people and food are also a bonus to the trip....

PS: be careful there is a lot of open prostituion going on so if you meet very very friendly people be aware and careful if you do wish to use their services... ;)

[Horny Male]

Well to be honest , you will always hear the bad side of a place highlighted by the Media , I visit DR as aoften as I can, people are friendly and welcoming ,
Of course as a precaution dont walk alone late at night or a deserted road, which you probably wouldnt do here .
Back to the suggestions , wher in DR areu going ? just to let u know some suggestions ....... Have fun ,


Thanks for your comments. We're going to Punta Cana. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Horny Male]

try; www.escapeartist.com there should be plenty of information there for you, including links to tour guides and advice on hotels etc. also, be aware that you should stock up on the anti malarials.. the place is noted for it. and like 12volt says, do not go over into haiti.. helped with the relief effort there and trust me, it is really a nest of vipers, almost as bad if not worse than liberia or moghadishu were/are.
:2cents:

Thanks for your comments - will try link you suggested. As an aside - I was very impressed with your detailed write up about you. You sound much like me in many ways. Look up my ad if you are interested. Regards